i am contemplating converting a SA from F1 to manual . i hesitate , they are undervalued yet is it a bad investment to spend the money on a conversion in a car that seems to stay in one place in value ?... i don not mind it the way it is but certainly would be more fun
Is the car low mile and "investment grade" then no. Just do a 'trev tune" and enjoy it for what it is. Are you keeping the car forever (then yes). I own a 550 so I'd NOT convert an SA. If you don't already own a manual and the SA is the only exotic then I'd lean more towards "yes". Where are you physically located? I would NOT be a prudish about converting a 575 but if I was doing an SA I'd probably only go to deGroot because there are enough guys here with good experience there and if you ever do sell....BaT....then those of us in the peanut gallery there help...... I did the digging to find all the USA HGTC SA's and it’s a short list.....only one that I'm aware of has non-investor-grade miles......that's the one I'd convert.....
I’m going to say do it. If you were 100% in love as-is, you wouldn’t be considering it. Take the time to find OEM bits and get reputable assistance with the work and you’ll likely lose very little. Plus, remember you can always swap back with a little expense.
i have other manuals, including a 575 , the car is amazing condition but has 10k miles ,, looks like 2k i keep it perfect , i do have access to use oem parts , its not cheap but if i did it thats the way i would go.. i like the open top and i do not own a open top 12 cylinder manual as far as keeping , i really do not know , while i do not change cars often it does happen.. thanks for your thoughts
Just a few more thoughts… From my perspective, if I were interested in a Super America, I would take the properly executed and functioning OEM conversion over the F1 and would be happy to pay a small premium - not factory stick premium, but a tad more. Also, my philosophy has always been if I can afford these cars, I ought to be able to afford whatever I want to do and not be worried about depreciation. Sounds like you can handle that quite well, but again - I doubt you’d see a massive drop. All that said - as @Ferrari55whoa pointed out, the Trev tune and maybe the full Fiammenghi setup would likely be pretty thrilling. Of course, some uberpurist may have an issue with that as well, but eh…to ‘ell with ‘em! Sounds like you like your SA for very specific reasons. Might as well make it all you want it to be and suck the marrow out!
I am going to find out like @2005575superamerica. My black SA was recently converted by Exoticars. It’s on its way home now.
I have owned a 2000 550 that I replaced with a 2002 575 F1. Loved the 550 but not so much the 575. But when the SuperAmerica came out I was happy to have a drop-top roof on the best of the Maranellos. Still love the SA but now that I had Exoticars perform the manual conversion I definitely will have the best of all! Can’t wait for it to come home!! Image Unavailable, Please Login
I gave it short drive…about 15 miles or so before my “detail” guy showed up to properly clean it. Not sure you know but I have not gotten comfortable with the cars in in collection since my stroke in the summer of ’23. Fortunately the SA is very familiar to me since I have owed this car for 15+ years. Can’t say the same for my 05 Ford GT or my Alfa Romeo 8C. Maybe in due time.
